Tibetan Book of the Dead (Buddhism)
The Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle), The Prophet
Dianetics (Scientology)
Book of Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Classics of Confucianism, 4 Books of Confucianism
The Bible
Bhagavad-Gita
Torah and Kabala (Zohar)
A Course in Miracles (New Age)
Quran (Islam)
Tao Te Ching (Taoism)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A "Got It" Moment
One of my “got it” moments I will never forget.
It was 2:30 a.m. I was in the middle of a 24-hour adventure race on the island of Guam, hiking in a rainstorm IN a river with water up to my waist with my three teammates. We were wearing headlights but they don’t really work too well deep in the jungle at night when it’s raining, miles from the nearest village. We had been racing since 6 a.m.: running, hiking, biking, swimming, river and ocean kayaking, etc. I was completely and utterly exhausted, hungry and out of water. We had lost our bearings and were following this river, hoping it would lead to the ocean or a bridge or anything recognizable. Quitting was not an option in that terrain at that time of night.
At 35 I was the oldest person on the team and also the only female, but I realized then that I was in heaven and at peace. I realized that all the months of training, sweating, eating healthy, planning and research led up to that moment.
We ended up laughing uncontrollably, regrouped, and by chance found our way out just a few hours later. We were the first place co-ed team to finish the race! My life is now full with work, being a wife and mother, and many other activities, but I am no doubt fulfilled when I am in the wilderness of God’s beautiful green earth, physically and mentally challenged, pushed to the brink of exhaustion, but knowing that our minds really do work over matter.
It was 2:30 a.m. I was in the middle of a 24-hour adventure race on the island of Guam, hiking in a rainstorm IN a river with water up to my waist with my three teammates. We were wearing headlights but they don’t really work too well deep in the jungle at night when it’s raining, miles from the nearest village. We had been racing since 6 a.m.: running, hiking, biking, swimming, river and ocean kayaking, etc. I was completely and utterly exhausted, hungry and out of water. We had lost our bearings and were following this river, hoping it would lead to the ocean or a bridge or anything recognizable. Quitting was not an option in that terrain at that time of night.
At 35 I was the oldest person on the team and also the only female, but I realized then that I was in heaven and at peace. I realized that all the months of training, sweating, eating healthy, planning and research led up to that moment.
We ended up laughing uncontrollably, regrouped, and by chance found our way out just a few hours later. We were the first place co-ed team to finish the race! My life is now full with work, being a wife and mother, and many other activities, but I am no doubt fulfilled when I am in the wilderness of God’s beautiful green earth, physically and mentally challenged, pushed to the brink of exhaustion, but knowing that our minds really do work over matter.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Help instead of hinder
I've been observing how humans feel the need to make critical comments about others or about issues. It's almost as if we truly believe that if we make a critical comment about someone or something, we are actually helping the person or the situation. The challenge I believe is to keep those criticisms to ourselves. We can't help the negative thoughts that creep into our minds. They spawn from a long life of either hearing others beating someone or something down or someone criticizing our own actions, appearance or ideas. If we can learn to fight them, lock them down before they slip out, we'd all be better off. Consider that feeling we get once we let out a negative comment or criticize someone else (especially when they're not around). Is it pride? Accomplishment? Usually not. We usually regret it later. If that's the case, privately write it down instead of saying it out loud. Then figure out a way we can turn that negativity into something positive for that person, situation, issue or idea. Attempt to be part of a solution instead of perpetuating or excacerbating negativity surrounding a problem. What small, subtle action can we take to help improve that situation or that person's life who we must criticize?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Bill Gates' Advice to Youngsters
Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your
self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your
self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Find Your Voice
John Grisham’s Commencement Address, “Find a Voice”
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
May 9, 2010
A voice has three essential elements.
The first is clarity. When I was in high school, I discovered the novels of John Steinbeck. He was and is my favorite writer. The Grapes of Wrath is a book I’ve read more than all others. I admire his talent for telling a story, his compassion for the underdog, but what I really admire is his ability to write so clearly. His sentences are often rich in detail and complex, but they flow with a clarity that I still envy. His characters are flawed and tragic, often complicated, but you understand them because they have been so clearly presented.
In life, we tend to ignore those who talk in circles, saying much but saying nothing. We listen to and follow those whose words, and ideas and thoughts and intentions are clear.
The second element is authenticity. Few things I like better in life than getting lost in a good book written by an author who is in full command of his subject matter, either because he has lived the story, or so thoroughly researched it. I read a lot of books written by other lawyers – legal thrillers, as they are called – I read them because I enjoy them, also I have to keep an eye on the competition. I can usually tell by page 3 if the author has actually been in a fight in a courtroom, or whether he’s simply watched too much television.
In life, we tend to discredit those who claim to be what they are not. We respect those who know their subject matter. We long for, and respect credibility.
The third element is veracity. In the past few years, the publishing industry has been scandalized by a handful of writers who wrote very compelling stories of their real-life adventures. These were good stories, they were well written, the voices were clear and seemingly authentic. They sold for big money, they were marketed aggressively, they were reviewed favorably, and then they were exposed for being what they really were – frauds fabrications, lies. The real-life adventures never happened. The books were pulled from the shelves. The publishers were embarrassed. Lawsuits were filed to retrieve the advances. And the writers’ voices have been forever silenced.
In life, finding a voice is speaking and living the truth.
John Grisham’s Commencement Address, “Find a Voice”
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
May 9, 2010
A voice has three essential elements.
The first is clarity. When I was in high school, I discovered the novels of John Steinbeck. He was and is my favorite writer. The Grapes of Wrath is a book I’ve read more than all others. I admire his talent for telling a story, his compassion for the underdog, but what I really admire is his ability to write so clearly. His sentences are often rich in detail and complex, but they flow with a clarity that I still envy. His characters are flawed and tragic, often complicated, but you understand them because they have been so clearly presented.
In life, we tend to ignore those who talk in circles, saying much but saying nothing. We listen to and follow those whose words, and ideas and thoughts and intentions are clear.
The second element is authenticity. Few things I like better in life than getting lost in a good book written by an author who is in full command of his subject matter, either because he has lived the story, or so thoroughly researched it. I read a lot of books written by other lawyers – legal thrillers, as they are called – I read them because I enjoy them, also I have to keep an eye on the competition. I can usually tell by page 3 if the author has actually been in a fight in a courtroom, or whether he’s simply watched too much television.
In life, we tend to discredit those who claim to be what they are not. We respect those who know their subject matter. We long for, and respect credibility.
The third element is veracity. In the past few years, the publishing industry has been scandalized by a handful of writers who wrote very compelling stories of their real-life adventures. These were good stories, they were well written, the voices were clear and seemingly authentic. They sold for big money, they were marketed aggressively, they were reviewed favorably, and then they were exposed for being what they really were – frauds fabrications, lies. The real-life adventures never happened. The books were pulled from the shelves. The publishers were embarrassed. Lawsuits were filed to retrieve the advances. And the writers’ voices have been forever silenced.
In life, finding a voice is speaking and living the truth.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
My Q
Quentin Hunter White is growing up so fast. He's full of life, wanting to learn new things and loves being around his friends. It's Spring Break 2010 and in three more hours I'm off to spend time with him, Sam and my friends. No time to write more, but saw this photo and wanted to get it posted. This is my reminder to start an I AM Q blog before I forget all his great adventures!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Creativity is a decision.
Last night I attended a lecture at Texas A&M by Robert J. Sternberg, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at Tufts University. Here is his message:
Creativity must produce a novel or useful idea. It is a decision. People can be born creative but you can also learn to be creative. Like anything else, you have to practice creativity – and be allowed to practice it – to perfect it.
13 things you must do before you can be creative:
1. Redefine the problem. Incubate the idea.(Creativity does not take place at warp speed.) Talk to others about your ideas.(He gave the example of a guy who was unhappy with his boss. Instead of complaining and trying to get his boss fired, he hired a headhunter to find his boss another job, and then when his boss took that job, he got his boss’s job. He redefined the problem instead of beating his head against the wall.)
2. Analyze creative solutions to problems.
3. Sell those solutions.(You can have a great creative idea but if you can’t sell it to others it’s not going to fly.)
4. Intelligence and knowledge can help and hurt. (Message being that you don’t have to be “intelligent” to be creative.) The cost of “expertise” is entrenchment. He says he’d rather work with graduate students on his projects because he’s the expert and can become entrenched in a certain way of thinking, but they automatically see problems differently and find creative solutions. Together they are creative. If he works alone he can’t always see the creative solution. If they work alone their creativity is often impractical for the real world.
5. Take sensible risks. (Being creative always requires a risk. At some point, someone will laugh at you. He gave examples of several classic novels that were criticized shortly after their publication but are now known as great works: Atlas Shrugged and Ann Frank’s Diary, etc.)
6. Overcome obstacles.
7. Find out what you love and do it. (But it’s not always easy to find it.)
8. Continue to learn and grow throughout your life. Creativity is not limited to young people. You can keep learning it your entire life.
9. Believe in yourself.
10. Tolerate ambiguity and don’t give up.
11. Take yourself lightly and have a sense of humor. Creative people usually are not curmudgeons.
12. Seek an environment that encourages and supports creativity.
13. Make creativity a way of life.
He suggested reading The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov and gave it as an example of creative science fiction.
Creativity must produce a novel or useful idea. It is a decision. People can be born creative but you can also learn to be creative. Like anything else, you have to practice creativity – and be allowed to practice it – to perfect it.
13 things you must do before you can be creative:
1. Redefine the problem. Incubate the idea.(Creativity does not take place at warp speed.) Talk to others about your ideas.(He gave the example of a guy who was unhappy with his boss. Instead of complaining and trying to get his boss fired, he hired a headhunter to find his boss another job, and then when his boss took that job, he got his boss’s job. He redefined the problem instead of beating his head against the wall.)
2. Analyze creative solutions to problems.
3. Sell those solutions.(You can have a great creative idea but if you can’t sell it to others it’s not going to fly.)
4. Intelligence and knowledge can help and hurt. (Message being that you don’t have to be “intelligent” to be creative.) The cost of “expertise” is entrenchment. He says he’d rather work with graduate students on his projects because he’s the expert and can become entrenched in a certain way of thinking, but they automatically see problems differently and find creative solutions. Together they are creative. If he works alone he can’t always see the creative solution. If they work alone their creativity is often impractical for the real world.
5. Take sensible risks. (Being creative always requires a risk. At some point, someone will laugh at you. He gave examples of several classic novels that were criticized shortly after their publication but are now known as great works: Atlas Shrugged and Ann Frank’s Diary, etc.)
6. Overcome obstacles.
7. Find out what you love and do it. (But it’s not always easy to find it.)
8. Continue to learn and grow throughout your life. Creativity is not limited to young people. You can keep learning it your entire life.
9. Believe in yourself.
10. Tolerate ambiguity and don’t give up.
11. Take yourself lightly and have a sense of humor. Creative people usually are not curmudgeons.
12. Seek an environment that encourages and supports creativity.
13. Make creativity a way of life.
He suggested reading The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov and gave it as an example of creative science fiction.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I'm Shedding, Not Saving
I'll never forget my friend Victoria Segovia who lived next door to me in Hawaii Kai. As we were moving all our junk into the house, she commented that she was entering her Zen phase of life and was getting rid of things, not collecting them. I watched during the course of two years as she gradually got rid of a lot of the stuff you just naturally collect over your lifetime. Turns out she was smart because during those two short years her husband Ignacio was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and they ended up having to move quickly to southern California to be closer to their children. I think I am going through the beginning stages of my Zen phase in 2010. This weekend (with Sam out of town, mind you), I cleaned out a lot of clutter from the garage and inside the house. I even took two large items to Goodwill - that long, heavy rectangular box with some sort of computer equipment that Sam never shipped to Guam (probably because no one ever paid him for it) and Mom and Dads' old stereo case. I kept the turntable but not sure why. This week I am determined to deal with Quentin's old school papers piled up on my desk in the front room! FREEDOM.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti Earthquake
Today I'm thinking about the people of Haiti, who have experienced a horrible earthquake.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Platinum
Today I became a platinum member of Cliff Latham's Adventure Boot Camp for Women. Seems like a lot of money, and when Sam finds out he's going to think I am nuts, but I've got to find a way out of this physical rut, and the last three camps proved to me that this is possible.
Extreme Adventure Boot Camp 2010
This morning I completed Extreme Form Adventure Boot Camp. It was pretty tame compared to regular boot camp because I chose the "form" camp over the ultra-cardio camp. Better for me as I still huff and puff like I'm dying when I run for more than five minutes. We were a small group and we did our strength training slowly, concentrating on form. Learned that I was doing a lot of things wrong, and overall it was a good choice for me. We also ran a lot, but not enough to make me feel like I was going to die like Cliff usually does. Afterward we had our traditional last-day gathering at Sweet Eugenes coffee shop. Coffee's on Cliff! He asked everyone in the room to tell the group how exercise has changed their life. Amazing stories in that room from remarkably strong women who have overcome so many challenges. For me, I'm just happy that my pants are fitting better, I'm enjoying running again, and it's easy to keep up with Q on his Razor scooter. I'm slowly making new friends. I don't talk too much during class because it takes my total concentration just to make it through the hour. Made a difficult decision in 2009 and suddenly now I'm a member of the boot camp cult. Let's see where it takes me.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Finding Time
I got a new Garmin hand-held GPS and an iPod Shuffle for Christmas from Sam. It was so thoughtful and both are perfect for me. Now why have I not been able to find time to use either one since Christmas? Something is wrong with this picture. I resolve to find more time for FUN in 2010.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Relief
Found it! His name is Robert "Tail" Fletes and he is the epitome of a Texas A&M University success story. No home to my boys!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
What's this fascination with cooking?
Last night Sam rented Julie & Julia and we watched most of it on the new DVD player Mom & Dad got us for Christmas. During the past couple of years I've developed a peculiar fascination with cooking. I'm usually the first person to proudly say "I don't cook" when someone asks what I "made" for the pot luck gathering. I'd rather drop by HEB and get something precooked by someone else. My Mom's usually the same way, even though I've always thought she was a great cook. Guess I got it from her. But all these reality cooking shows are changing my attitude about what I eat and how it's prepared. Top Chef, Iron Chef, The Next Food Network Star, Top Chef Masters, Chef Academy - you name it, Sam and I watch it. Oh, and don't forget Mr. Ramsey! Who can resist him? With more time I think I could get into this.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010
It's a new year. One of my resolutions is to blog here more. Working on a Saturday in my office at the Texas A&M Foundation. On Monday I will have been at this job for five years, which is the longest I've held any job in my life. What does that mean? Time to move on? Probably not yet. I'm content that I got to spend a lot of quality time with my family this Christmas. My faithful dog Zuni is sleeping under my desk. Yesterday Q and I rode our Razor scooters back and forth across the Texas A&M University campus. Would any other mother let her 11-year-old son with Down syndrome ride his scooter down the ramps of the parking garage? It was a blast!
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